RVing expected to boom as lockdowns are eased

[splitwdw]

I think it depends on the state. We're still in FL, but thinking about heading back north in a month or so. At our MD house we're about 3 miles from the DE line, and from what I understand DE is stopping cars with out of state plates (like our FL plates) and fining them and threatening jail time. I think the exception is people who can prove they've quarantined for 14 days. And how can you possibly prove that?

The last news I heard, the DE state police were stopping out-of-staters that were coming to shop and sending them back to their states. At that time, those people were supposed to be sheltering in their own states (PA & NJ drivers were interviewed). They were not stopping cars traveling through DE to other destinations on interstates. If you were staying in DE, you had to quarantine yourself for 14 days. This was last week or the week before that I saw on the news. Since you live in Maryland why would Delaware be a problem for you.

 

[harley]

The last news I heard, the DE state police were stopping out-of-staters that were coming to shop and sending them back to their states. At that time, those people were supposed to be sheltering in their own states (PA & NJ drivers were interviewed). They were not stopping cars traveling through DE to other destinations on interstates. If you were staying in DE, you had to quarantine yourself for 14 days. This was last week or the week before that I saw on the news. Since you live in Maryland why would Delaware be a problem for you.

Because we do most of our grocery shopping there. It's actually closer to our home than anything worth going to in MD. However, I do know the back roads, so I'll just have to be like the old time bootleggers, running illegally purchased lettuce and cottage cheese back home before they can catch me.

I could prove it by my gray roots .

Lol! DW and her sister were facetiming the other day, and ended up comparing their hair situation. DSiL had about a half inch of grey roots with dark hair on top. DW, who still only has a couple grey hairs but gets her brown hair highlighted had dark roots and lighter hair up top. It was pretty funny.

 

[REWahoo]

However, I do know the back roads, so I'll just have to be like the old time bootleggers, running illegally purchased lettuce and cottage cheese back home before they can catch me.

Maybe Hollywood will make a movie extolling your adventures running loads of illegal TP on those back roads...

 

[splitwdw]

I can't see people buying RV's or boats. As a saver, it's not something I'm going to buy in an uncertain economy. Many people will be recovering from being furloughed or laid off so I can't see them buying either. Won't they have more pressing issues for their money. I can see wanting a closer to home get-a-way to camp grounds or parks with tents, popups, vans but an RV? Even a used or smaller RV will be a few thousand, won't it? Never owned a boat but have friends that own that hole in the water. I thought there would be more day trips to amusement parks/water parks for people wanting to get away.

 

[samm]

Right, because sales of $50-250k vehicles that are completely discretionary purchases should be expected to boom with double digit unemployment and a brown out economy.

Agree with above. RVing is a costly with lots of repairs, lots of maintenance work, driving is hard, and it costs more than just staying in hotels near parks. Plus, banks will not lend for these fast-depreciating gas guzzlers.

The RV industry is boom & bust...and it ain't going to boom now.

 

[REWahoo]

I can't see people buying RV's or boats. As a saver, it's not something I'm going to buy in an uncertain economy. Many people will be recovering from being furloughed or laid off so I can't see them buying either. Won't they have more pressing issues for their money. I can see wanting a closer to home get-a-way to camp grounds or parks with tents, popups, vans but an RV? Even a used or smaller RV will be a few thousand, won't it? Never owned a boat but have friends that own that hole in the water. I thought there would be more day trips to amusement parks/water parks for people wanting to get away.

Who knows what recreation and vacation travel will look like over the next couple of years.

Certainly folks who lose their jobs or see a big reduction to their income will not be buying many boats or RVs. However, the majority of folks in the US won't become unemployed or suffer a major hit to their income. It's those people who may give a boost to boating or RVing as they no longer feel comfortable going on a cruise, getting on a plane, or taking the kids to mingle with a big crowd at WallyWorld, even for a day trip.

You can purchase a used travel trailer for the cost of a couple of nice family cruises so I wouldn't count it out - but who knows. It will be interesting to see what happens to all the traditional leisure and vacation activities as this plays out.

 

[RobbieB]

I'm sure wishing I had my little outboard docked at the marina. Perfect covid activity. Out on the river all by myself with a catfish on the line for supper.

 

[Teacher Terry]

So glad we sold our RV in February. I doubt there’s a rise in sales. We got 5500 for ours that was 27 years old and had a few things wrong with it.

 

[Arizona1]

I sure hope not. There are really too many people Rving now. We are in our 20th year full time RV living and I can tell you it’s very expensive, lots of big crowds, many repairs, and low class people.
We hate it and you would too.

 

[Markola]

I sure hope not. There are really too many people Rving now. We are in our 20th year full time RV living and I can tell you it’s very expensive, lots of big crowds, many repairs, and low class people.

We hate it and you would too.

Thanks for the insider view. DW wants nothing to do with it, for all the reasons you stated, and she’s never done it once!

 

[Chuckanut]

I sure hope not. There are really too many people Rving now. We are in our 20th year full time RV living and I can tell you it’s very expensive, lots of big crowds, many repairs, and low class people.
We hate it and you would too.

I would love to see more RV's on the road from 10 PM to 7 AM. This way they can all keep each other from exceeding 25mph going uphill.

 

[CardsFan]

I sure hope not. There are really too many people Rving now. We are in our 20th year full time RV living and I can tell you it’s very expensive, lots of big crowds, many repairs, and low class people.
We hate it and you would too.

 

[Shredder]

I'm sure wishing I had my little outboard docked at the marina. Perfect covid activity. Out on the river all by myself with a catfish on the line for supper.

Might be a good time to buy a used boat.

Im thinking about getting one if the price is right. My little 14 footer with a 20hp tiller motor and an electric trolling motor is just right for the smaller lakes, but I live near a lot of bigger, fishable lakes.

 

[travelover]

The government here is opening the parks, but keeping the restrooms closed. I'm thinking of towing my little travel trailer with me just to have clean place to pee when I go to the park.

 

[harllee]

Some people are using their RV parked in their own driveway for self quarantines. Some medical workers are staying in their RVs in their driveways so as not to infect their family. NPR had a program that said RV rentals are booming for people who need to quarantine.

 

[audreyh1]

The government here is opening the parks, but keeping the restrooms closed. I'm thinking of towing my little travel trailer with me just to have clean place to pee when I go to the park.

Hopefully the dump stations are open?

 

[brewer12345]

Some people are using their RV parked in their own driveway for self quarantines. Some medical workers are staying in their RVs in their driveways so as not to infect their family. NPR had a program that said RV rentals are booming for people who need to quarantine.

Funny. I thought through preparations for a pandemic years ago and came to the conclusion that the camper in the driveway would be an ideal quarantine unit.

 

[Andy R]

I work with RV websites all day everyday. Here is my take. Yes, RVs will be seen as ideal ways to travel since you can avoid hotels and stay in beautiful natural locations. It's likely RVing will boom, especially compared to airlines and cruise ships!

I do see one big issue. The beautiful remote campsites were already booking out 6 months in advance. Each state, county, city will have their own rules related to campgrounds. Some will not want a bunch of tourist to come visit their hometowns, especially when tourism is not a primary draw. I expect at least some capacity of campgrounds to remain closed for the next 18-24 months.

So lets say that 20% of campgrounds remain closed. Lets assume a 20% increase in RVing because it's a viable form of getting out. That means means a shortage in campgrounds. More demand, not enough supply will likely cause rates to go up. Odds are the entry level RVers who don't have the means to pay $$$ for their campground might feel the squeeze.

I personally don't want to go to any crowded campgrounds. I have a self contained vintage Airstream with solar panels, lithium batteries, etc. So I'm trying to scope out some private land in Southern Colorado where we can take the kids and hang out in the cooler temps.

I do not want to go to a busy campground with lots of other RVers. We went to Mount Rushmore a couple summers ago. I think the campground had 500 sites. Way to crowded and busy and not a good setup for camping during covid. If they were going to max out at 150 campsites and spread people out that would be better but even then all the local attractions would be busy.

 

[travelover]

Hopefully the dump stations are open?

I have a macerator at home and just empty through a garden hose to a toilet.

 

[Montecfo]

Right, because sales of $50-250k vehicles that are completely discretionary purchases should be expected to boom with double digit unemployment and a brown out economy.

Yeah but people have to live SOMEWHERE.

 

[Doribe]

I think I can travel around the Midwest. Michigan is weird in that residents can't go to their vacation homes, but out-of-staters can go to their vacation homes in Michigan.

If things improve this summer, which I doubt, I'll take my travel trailer to one of the less popular state parks in the Midwest. DH, myself and the dog will hit the trails.

 

[samm]

I sure hope not. There are really too many people Rving now. We are in our 20th year full time RV living and I can tell you it’s very expensive, lots of big crowds, many repairs, and low class people.
We hate it and you would too.

+1. Well said.

Suggested comedy about RVing
Lost in America (1985) 1h 31min | Comedy | 8 February 1985 (USA) A husband and wife decide to quit their jobs, live as free spirits and cruise America in a Winnebago.

Funny comedy movie about couple that decide to RV and roam free...then realize it was a mistake. Watch this before buying your RV...it should make you question your motives and the reality of "freedom on the road".

I also recommend watching " Winnebago Man" on YouTube. Hilarious.

 

[audreyh1]

I have a macerator at home and just empty through a garden hose to a toilet.

We occasionally used the cleanout next to our garage when we had the small RV trailer.

But if out camping for a while, you may need access to a dump station if there aren’t full hookups at the camp sites.

 

[REWahoo]

I sure hope not. There are really too many people Rving now. We are in our 20th year full time RV living and I can tell you it’s very expensive, lots of big crowds, many repairs, and low class people.
We hate it and you would too.

+1

I agree RVing is nothing like those slick "Let's go RVing" TV commercials try to pretend it is. Imagine living in a cheaply-built fiberglass & cardboard container on wheels, parked a few feet from a bunch of rowdy low-life people you normally cross the street to avoid. Just don't see the attraction.

 

[Bamaman]

We've had RV's for 25 years and currently have a 5th wheel with 4 slides. It stays in the mountains in a member owned campground in storage. Total cost per year including 14 nights per month is about $750--a bargain. Our campground facilities are incredible--300 sites, 2 pools Wifi, and Cable TV.

We raised our daughter staying many, many weekends in the campground, and it remains such a wholesome place full of the nicest people.

There are millions of RV's in the U.S.--most of which are just sitting unused. During this quarantine, our local campgrounds are simply packed. People figured out they'd rather be sitting looking at the river or the mountains than sitting in at home feeling sorry for themselves. And it's so easy to distance yourself from others when camping too.